How to Take Triphala Churna for Digestive Health

Here’s how to use the benefits of triphala churna to enhance your digestion, reduce intestinal problems and improve your health in general. Also ahead is how to make triphala and dosage information for best results.

Triphala churna is an Ayurvedic preparation that is a combination of the powdered fruit of three different trees – haritaki, bibhitaki and amalaki (commonly known as amla).

It is prized in Ayurveda for its ability to balance the doshas (the elements of body and mind) and enhance the process of digestion and elimination. Triphala is known to be beneficial for removing toxins from the digestive tract, cleansing the liver, gallbladder and kidneys and purifying the blood.

There are many other health benefits of triphala and it is prescribed for a wide range of ailments in India. People in Western cultures are now starting to discover the effectiveness of triphala churna for themselves.

As a precaution though, it should not be used by pregnant women and there are a couple of other potential triphala side effects to be aware of. On the whole though, triphala churna in an excellent superfood supplement and can be used regularly for detoxification and better digestive health.

Recommended Triphala Dosage and When to Take It

The term ‘churna’ means a mixture of powders, so, by definition, triphala churna is simply triphala powder. Here’s how to make it up at home yourself to improve your digestive system and bring your body back into balance.

When you research how to take triphala churna, the most commonly suggested starting dosage is a level teaspoon (around 4 grams) of the powder, stirred vigorously into a glass of very hot but not quite boiling water.

You leave this mixture to settle for at least twenty minutes, though it is often recommended of several hours, or even all day.

Then drink the whole glass of triphala water in one sitting, leaving the sediment at the bottom. After this, refill the glass with hot water, mix it well and leave it to use again for a second time.

The best time to take this triphala churna tea is in the evening, a couple of hours after dinner and just before bed. Followed again first thing in the morning with the second dose made from the same triphala powder.

The way I do this is to make up my triphala in the morning in a glass of hot water, cover it and leave it for the day. Just before bed I drink it all down and refill the glass with hot water and stir it well ready for the morning. After having the morning’s triphala churna tea you discard the sediment and stir up a new mixture.

Triphala is considered safe to take for longer periods if you are feeling beneficial effects from it. That said, it’s good practice to take regular breaks from any herbal supplement to maintain its effectiveness.

A commonly recommended timetable for using triphala is to take it for a month and then take at least a week off.

Larger Triphala Doses for Constipation

At the recommended dose of a teaspoon, triphala is not considered a strong laxative in the same way as cascara sagrada or senna, but more of an internal cleanser and bowel tonic.

In all likelihood, you will be heading to the bathroom soon after you get up in the morning, but this should be a normal and easy bowel movement. If stools are too loose you could try not taking it for a day and then starting again at half the dose and monitoring the effects.

If you do not feel the need to visit the bathroom soon after waking, the amount of triphala you take in the evening could be slowly increased by a gram or so each day (or a little more heaped teaspoon) until the desired result is achieved.

At doses of 8 grams (around two teaspoons) and above for constipation, triphala should have a definite laxative effect for most people. Drinking more of the sediment is also likely to increase its effectiveness for promoting a bowel movement.

It is best used at these higher doses for constipation for shorter periods only, perhaps just a day or two if needed. Triphala churna is however, generally thought to be much safer than other types of laxatives as its rejuvenating properties help to offset the potentially depleting effects of using a laxative.

Unlike some other laxatives, triphala is non-habit forming and is said to strengthen and tonify the internal muscles of the bowels. That said, regular use of laxatives is not recommended. It’s worth seeking out a knowledgeable healthcare professional if constipation becomes a regular digestive problem for you.

Triphala Capsules Before Meals

A simpler way to take triphala is as a digestive aid before meals up to three times a day. This is a good way to take the tablets or triphala capsules like these.

Dosages are usually lower, generally 1 gram or 2 capsules half an hour before a meal, with a large glass of water. At this amount, triphala’s rejuvenating and balancing properties are usually noticed more than with the larger powder dose.

This is a gentler method for getting triphala churna health benefits and would be suitable for people who didn’t want to drink the triphala tea due to the taste. It may however take longer to show obvious beneficial effects as triphala’s cleansing actions would be likely to be less pronounced with the lower dosages in capsules.

How Does Triphala Taste?

With all the tannins and powerful nutritional compounds in amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki, triphala powder isn’t the best tasting preparation you’ll ever try. Ayurvedic medicine says it actually has a combination of five of the six known tastes – bitter, sour, sweet, pungent and astringent, with only salty missing.

When I first tried it the taste was definitely more in favor of the first two of these I’ll admit. But I knew the health benefits of triphala and took the strong taste as proof of its potency.

Ayurveda teaches the importance of a balance of all the tastes for good health and in a preparation like triphala churna your taste buds will most likely focus on what you most need. Given Western diets, that’s unlikely to be sweet.

Over time the taste has become more balanced to me (or perhaps my taste buds have) with a combination of flavors and I have no problem drinking my triphala tea regularly.

If you feel the taste may put you off, then good strength triphala capsules may be a good option if you still want to experience the health benefits of triphala churna without going to the trouble of making it up each day.

However, if you’re using it in the larger dosage for internal cleansing, or as an occasional laxative for constipation problems, then this powdered triphala churna, with $4 international delivery to countries like India, is both better value and considered significantly more effective.

Have you tried using triphala churna before? I’d really like to hear about how you took it and what kind of effect it had on your health for you personally.

Hi I have been taking Triphla for over 3 months. I take one tea spoon in a quarter of a glass of hot water before bed. I mix and take the whole thing without leaving anything in the glass. I was not a constipated person, the reason to start was that I suffer from IBS and after reading and reading I decided to have a go. I will be honest, I have not felt any relief from pain and other symptoms of IBS but still want to carry on for its long term effects. I am not taking any medicine for IBS otherwise. Can someone tell me about Triphla’s positive immediate effects on their stomach?

Hi Akhter. I’ve found better results with mixing my triphala in the morning, covering and letting it ‘distill’ all day before drinking it in the evening. I definitely notice more energy when I take it though I haven’t experienced the IBS symptoms you’ve described. It would be great if someone who has taken triphala for irritable bowel syndrome could comment.

Triphala is the best! I have been taking this plus cats claw, slippery elm, and mastic for about 3 months now (after a visit to the ER). It works great and I feel 100% better. Everything else I have tried has failed..but this has been a God send for me. Hope it helps you!! 🙂

Hi aryanna, what are your symptoms. I have stomach pain and they found an irratated stomach lining. I found that almond skin and black pepper irritated me plus alcohol red wine mainly. We’re your symptoms similar to mine. The slippery elm and Tripihla did you mx them or something else ?

Everyone will be different but generally it should have had its effects within two hours. Stirring up the triphala before you drink it will apparently increase its laxative effects. If this does not work you would need a larger dose. You could increase the amount by a teaspoon until it’s working for you. These amounts would only be for occasional use.

Perhaps an hour afterwards and a bit larger dosage would be more appropriate as I feel it is important to go to the bathroom within the next few hours after having the smoothie for it to be most effective.

Pure castor oil is a powerful laxative and very fast working but, while I haven’t had anyone commenting about it here, occasionally some people report some nausea with using it. On the other hand, it is recommended as an excellent intestinal cleanser itself.

When I initially wrote the page on the parasite killing smoothie – http://superfoodprofiles.com/papaya-seeds-parasites – I recommended castor oil and then changed to triphala. On balance, I feel it’s worth adding it back in and giving people both options.

I’ll be editing the page to reflect all of this so thank you for bringing it to my attention.

1.5tea spoon in hot water and stirr well after cooling at room temp stirr well.Drink after dinner at least one hr gap..Repeat same in the morning overnight preparation is always good & 2-3 glass of water after 10 min.is good to clean ur bowel. lhave tried filtered drops as eye drops. Daily prepared drops are good. I even tried it as Nasal drop to my experience it is giving great result. I am 60 yrs my eye sight has been improving. I have typed this without glasses. Very good to reduce weight, feel frerh,reduces high blood pressure.

Doing a Castor oil pack over your lower abdomen is a great way to relieve constipation without any nausea that comes from ingesting it. To do it, soak a piece of flannel in castor oil and place it over your lower abdomen. Wrap plastic wrap around your whole abdomen (keeps the pack in place and prevents staining of clothes) Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on the area for at least 30 min up to an hour. When you are finished you can keep the flannel in a plastic bag in the fridge for the next use. I found that it i did this before bed, the next morning evenything moved a lot easier.

i m suffering from my stomach disorder. when i get wake up early in the morning then acidic is formed in my stomach and if i try to eat breakfast them vomiting starts. is triphala helps me in this problem.

Hi I hv been suffering from IBS for many years n I just came upon ur page n would like more light thrown on this topic, on taking triphala pills,pls help cos my acid level is also becoming very disturbing recently n need urgent advice thank u….m against taking doctors medicines cos they hv so many side effects,do prefer alternatives….thank u

ghazala…I have extreme acid levels as well. I’ve been working with a nutritionist and I drink 1 oz of Aloe Vera Juice before each meal and right before bed time. This has helped me tremendously! My nutritionist is adding 1 new supplement at a time, and today I began the Triphala…keeping my fingers crossed that this will be an added bonus. But the Aloe really does work. Just make sure you a buying pure aloe. Best wishes!

FIRST, you should know that bacteria/fungal infections or overgrowth are the cause of most GERD symptoms that humans endure, as well as other major diseases that doctors are starting to link to this. Now read below

Take 1 gram of mastic gum upon waking up, then take an anti-fungal pill (ginger, oregano extract, pau d’arco)half an hour before lunch and dinner. take one digestive enzyme pill after every meal. take one 20 billion CFU probiotic on an empty stomach sometime during the day. eat a diet where 65 % percent of your intake is vegetables, 25 percent is organic grass fed meat, and 15% low sugar fruits and raw nuts. ALSO incorporate a little fermented food into your diet like saurkraut or kimchi. DON’T forget to take something to help your liver and kidney’s flush out the toxic bacteria and possibly fungus in your stomach, You cant take milk thistle or Molybdenum for this. Take Lactoferrin and 2 table spoons of cocnut oil during the day to kill the portection of whatevr bacteria or fungs you may have thats causing GERD symptoms. YOU ARE GOING to feel a little worse than your are for awhile but that’s your body trying to clear out all the toxins, usually takes a week. THEN continue this regiment for a month or until you feel like your old self or even better than that, shouldn’t take more than 2 months. Although to fully get your body back into its natural cycle may take a year or 2 depending on how severe symptoms are.

Continue to eat like this, take a probiotic (I suggest MegaFoods brand for any supplement if they make it and an antifungal (swith them every month or 2 so no fungus gains a resistance) and you should be okay for the rest of your life.

Now for more enough pick up a book on candida or one on general gut health

hello, is taking triphala in the evening enough for the digestive health effects? I imagine taking it morning and night would be best, but I do worry about taking it in the morning if there is the urgent need to run to the bathroom shortly afterwards. Or does it usually not work that quickly?

Taking triphala in the evening is considered more effective than the morning. A smaller dose in the morning as well may be even better for initial cleansing but I think for maintenance the evening is better.

As a herbal health care professional, I would suggest the viewers to take Triphala either in powder, capsule or tablet form with warm water after dinner. Taking Triphala in the morning after breakfast is not advised for working people, since it may put them in embarrassing situation on the road or at work place to run to the washroom. Triphala is mild laxative and can be taken on daily basis to get rid of toxins. Triphala is nectar and available all over the world. Triphala is totally safe and helpful in treating constipation and host of other stomach problems.

IBS is totally a different subject that needs to be understood. In IBS sufferers, the digestive cells become sluggish and the stomach condition is similar to the rubber tyre of a motor vehicle at one point of time that needs to be replaced in order to run the vehicle. You will need to look for effective herbal medicines that should help to regenerate those sluggish cells. I have successfully treated IBS cases with the help of a single herbal nutrition blessed with ultimate healing qualities. If you wish to get your IBS treated to lead a comfortable and healthy life again, please feel free to contact me on [email protected]. trust is must to avail my safe and effective herbal treatment for your IBS.

Triphala will be beneficial in treating constipated IBS but to treat diarrhoeal IBS, Kutaj Ghanvati tablet should be taken along with Triphala. Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) is a single herb and Ghanvati means extract.

I have been using triphala for over a year of time and i feel better and relieved of some chronic diseases, I read that triphala with guggulu has better performance than the sole triphala.I’m planning to use triphala with guggulu and please let me know if there are any sideeffects with that combo.Cheers:)

Triphala Guggul may have some additional benefits but it is significantly more expensive. There aren’t any specific side effects mentioned beyond possible stomach irritation with large doses. That said, if you are using it to treat disease it would be best to consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner who would have access to high quality product and know the best way to take it for your individual circumstances.

Welcome. I’m from Polish, sorry for the mistakes, but I’m using google translator. I have hypothyroidism and very strong constipation. Small doses of Triphala for me does not work. If I take the night np.6 Triphala tablets 500 mg will be the same as if I took 3 grams of powder? Is better to sprinkle the powder from the capsule and mix with water?

Hi there and thanks for your question. If you have the triphala tablets it would be fine to take them in this dose with a large glass of water. If this is not effective then 5 grams or 10 tablets, preferably with two glasses of water could be taken. Up to 8 grams of triphala powder has been recommended for constipation. Given this, I tend to think this organic triphala powder is much better value – http://superfoodprofiles.com/go/organic-triphala-powder

Hi! I have mild ankylosing spondylosis and always have acidity heartburn numbness and feel more pain with stuffy tight stomach First i start with cough than heavy stomach and acidity Constipation And gas or whatever enter in spine n ribs which make me stiff

Somebody suggest me trifala in morning for acidity Plz suggest me right way or dosage

My local Indian grocer sells refrigerated bottles of unsweetened 100% pure Triphala juice. One bottle lasts me for about a week. The taste is very astringent, so once a day I mix a few ounces (1/4 cup) in a big glass of water and add bit of fruit concentrate or a 1/2 tsp of honey to make it more palatable. I am over 50 and heard Triphala would be beneficial tonic for anti-aging and toning of internal organs and hormonal systems, as well as benefitting my eyes, which have been getting very dry. I haven’t really noticed any effect yet after two weeks. How long would it be safe for me to continue to consume in order to receive beneficial effect. Is once dose per day sufficient? Is the powder form as tea superior to the juice?

Triphala juice is a bit of a strange term as triphala is made from the powder of three herbs and as you say not the sweetest of tastes. I tend to think the powder is better value but if you are getting a good product that is unsweetened that’s great.

Triphala powder is considered safe for long term use and is generally used once or twice a day for best results. With a good dosage you should be starting to feel beneficial effects within a couple of weeks so it may be worth considering the strength of the product and looking for a good powder to mix yourself. The article has a good link or check iherb for international delivery.

i have constipation problem ..i have to take two big spoons of triphala to have a motion but some times i puke all the powder .. so can we spit the dosage of it in four parts and taking it several times in the day…?? would that be right..

This should be alright as long as taken away from meals as described in the article. I’d suggest trying 1 spoonful of triphala first thing in the morning and one in the evening well before dinner first.

GERD can be aggravated by constipation and triphala is excellent for this but I’d suggest trying aloe vera juice and lowering the acidic foods in your diet. The Curezone forum has a lot of good info on GERD treatments.

I have been drinking Organic Haritaki Fruit Powder (Terminalia Chebula) since August 23, 2014. I was told about it by someone that also drinks it for other Health Benefits. Would you happen to have something I can read that discusses other benefits of Terminalia Chebula, other than digestive health.

Triphala’s effective combination of herbs acts as a gentle laxative on the body, cleansing the body of all toxic waste accumulated over time while at the same time strengthening and nourishing the tissues. Its two main advantages are that it is an affordable solution for the many people who require prompt relief from the discomfort and pain that is usually a given thing in GI tract disorders of all kinds and the fact that it causes very little known side effects for people using it.

Apart from being a natural laxative, Triphala also provides a host of health benefits, some of the important ones being helping the body recover from ill effects of stress, boosting the immune system, preventing signs of ageing, purifying blood and aiding in weight loss by regularizing the function of the digestive tract.

I have pills (capsules) that are 690 mg per pill. The bottle says take 5 a day in divided doses. I take senna and other stuff to soften as I took miralax and it shrunk my intestines so senna alone no longer works…it wont get through as the passage is too small. I need to replace senna (6 per day) with triphala but don’t know how much to take. I don’t want to take too little because if I go ONE day and don’t go I get awfully constipated. I have a deformity…a pouch and it filled up (sigmoid) and I ended up in the hospital. So I need it to work the first time. I wish there was a cross reference table…6 senna equals x tablets at 690 mg each. Any suggestions please? Thank you.

When using triphala for constipation the powder is much better value, though some people do have problems with the taste. A teaspoon is the usual dosage.

If you are using the capsules to get the equivalent amount at 690 mg you’d need around 7 taken together, which is admittedly a lot. I think taking them in a divided dose would have more of a tonifying effect than laxative effect. First thing in the morning on an empty stomach with some warm water would be best for stimulating a bowel movement.

You may be able to take less by starting at this amount and trying one less the next day to see if you get the same effect. Working down to the minimum needed.

Actually triphala powder (churna) is mother of all the medicine, it arrests hair loss,ap ply paste to ur head will keep lice, scalp and other infection away,filtered liquid as eye drops keeps away infection like conjuntivities & cataract problem. Simply it take care from tip of hair to toe,I mean it even cures Nail infection ,weight loss,joint pain,blood purifier,protect from Malaria, flu, typhoid ,ulcer read that it even cure small tumours & checks Diabities. Pyioria gum problems… Etc …etc at the same time atleast 20 to 30 min exercises is essential min 4times in a week daily is v good.

Actually this wonderful miraculous Triphalapowder even cures wound rapidly without puss formation as it kills harmful bacteria n fungus, virus. Without any need of antibiotics. I had small fissure problem since many months as it’s related to anus/rectum,bacteria n fungus is present in rectum, didn’t heel the fissure wound easily. I inserted the Triphala tablet dipped in Coconut Oil into my anus and let remain till next passing of stool. I repeated this therapy for next 10 to 15 days.Daily I could feel the wound heeling and comfort feeling during passing of stool until it’s almost cured. Now no pain as no wound.

i have problem with all dairy product like milk ,yogurt ,butter and also with all dry fruit because not me digest and me infiammory my stomach and also after eating something not me digest quicky i lose my weight because bad digestion system . use triphala churna can improve my digestion system

For ongoing use dosages are usually lower, generally 1 gram or 2 capsules half an hour before a meal, with a large glass of water. At this amount, triphala’s rejuvenating and balancing properties are usually noticed more than with the larger powder dose.

Hi Jim, Doing the parasite cleanse and just took this powder. On my second chug, I got nauseous and vomited a little. Can I just add the powder to veg capsules I make myself and take it this way? I thought I could handle the taste, but now I get nauseous every time I try to drink it.

Thank you for all your info on Triphala. I’ve been very enlightened and feel willing to get Triphala, and take it for life.

I have a question. My ex had his entire large intestines surgically removed, and has an ileostomy bag attached to his small intestines. If he consumes Triphala, does he need to follow a different protocol of taking it, than what you’ve suggested?

Hi Jim, I was diagnosed back in the ’80’s with IBS-C. Believe me, I’ve tried every supplement out there to overcome this problem. Currently on the new generation spore probiotics, raw, cultured vegetables, but no improvement yet. Still gluten-free, dairy, corn/grain free, coffee-free. Had IgG for food sensitivities, have given up all those offending foods. Not a whole lot left for me to eat!

Regarding Triphala, I learned about it from 2 Ayurvedic practitioners. I did the Triphala powder prepared as you described, the only effect was worsening constipation. I also did straight Haritaki in capsule form, still no results. What’s your insight on why Triphala & Haritake had no improvement? Did it for approximately 3 weeks with zero improvement. Eventually had to take magnesium to move things along.

Sorry to hear that the triphala didn’t work well for you. Did you visit the Ayurvedic practitioners personally? Triphala is usually very effective at stimulating the peristal actions of the digestive tract but perhaps, if the effect was worsening, it’s action got things started but then couldn’t complete the process due to a blockage of some kind. It sounds like it would be important to find a digestive health specialist and get a diagnosis as to why things aren’t moving along as they should.

Been taking 1tsp triphala daily for a month now but it does not have a laxative effect on me .I do not go until 14 _16 hrs later.I am not constipated but seem to have very sluggish digestion , should I increase the dose ?

I have been taking the Triphala powder in my green drink smoothie in the morning. I feel like it wakes me up; energizes & is healing my body, (except my brain feels dark & like it is full of congestion). What I want to know, is the granules a bad thing to ingest? Is taking it with the hot water, then throwing the grains away the only healthy way to take it? Also, I’m taking it with other ingredients, so it isn’t on an empty stomach; is that okay?

I often have small amounts in a smoothie as well. It’s generally fine but at stronger doses it will have a laxative effect.

If you’re feeling energized but find it hard to focus then the dose may be a bit strong. I’d try taking half that amount and slowly working up to where you feel calm energy from the triphala without any negative effects.

Readers, m 65 yrs old. My bowel is constipated, n sluggish digestion. Tried Triphala many mtimes failed no results. Two months back i observed one lawyer related to me is very active energetic. I asked him cause for his good health n without glasses he read paper etc. Then he told me about Triphala. I said many times used but no results. He asked me how i used it. Then he said to get good results take 200 ml water and pour 2 table spoon triphala boil it to 100 ml. Leave for normal room temp. and drink before bed and take again in the same way in the morning after taking one cup warm water. My constipation cured 80% and digestive system is also working slowly. Quantity can be taken as per individual constitution. Good luck

Hi, I just starting yesterday taking the triphala powder. I’m taking it because I’ve been having some gas and bloating and recently gave gained almost 10 lbs for no known reason. I’ve been to the dr and they can’t find anything wrong. I thought maybe it could belt digestive tract having issues. I take supplements that need to be taken in the am first thing. How long should I wait afterward to take the tea? Thanks so much for your help!

Unless your supplements have to be taken very first thing I’d take the triphala first, followed by a big glass of water (valuable anyway first thing in the morning) and take the supplements at least half an hour later.

The triphala is best taken this way as it encourages proper elimination and won’t affect any supplements or food you’ve had previously if you have it first thing. I’ll admit it doesn’t taste great (though strangely gets sweeter the more you have it) but the health benefits for the rest of the day are worth it.

SuperfoodProfiles.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. There is no extra cost to the consumer from these links and this site may recieve a commission for purchases made through these links. Amazon and Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. | Information presented at Superfood Profiles is intended for informational and educational purposes only.
Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making dietary changes or taking supplements that may interfere with medications. | All written content on this site is copyright and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without a highlighted, dofollow link crediting http://superfoodprofiles.com or preferably the original page as the source. | Copyright text 2017 by Superfood Profiles.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More